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29 Dec 2025
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Understanding Cell Division: An Overview of Mitosis
Anna Noble
@annanoble_ipmv
1 / 10
Learning Objectives: Cell Division
Understanding cell division is crucial because it explains how your body works every single day. Your cells are organised into tissues (like muscle), organs (like your heart), and organ systems (like your circulatory system).
Cell division allows organisms to grow from tiny babies into full-sized adults. It also helps repair damaged parts of your body - when you break a bone, new cells divide to fix it!
The process creates two identical cells from one parent cell. When this goes wrong and becomes uncontrolled, it can lead to cancer, which is why understanding normal cell division is so important.
Quick Fact: Your body creates about 25 million new cells every second through mitosis!
Why Do Cells Need to Divide?
Think about how much you've grown since you were born - that's all thanks to mitosis! Cells divide for two main reasons: growth and repair.
During growth, your body needs millions of new cells to make you taller and bigger. Each new cell contains chromosomes with exactly the same genetic information as the original cell.
For repair, when you get injured, your body immediately starts making new cells to replace the damaged ones. Without mitosis, cuts wouldn't heal and broken bones wouldn't mend.
Remember: Mitosis ensures every new cell is identical to the parent cell - no genetic information is lost!
Understanding Mitosis
Mitosis is the name scientists give to the process where one cell divides into two. The most important part happens when the nucleus (the cell's control centre) splits into two daughter nuclei.
Here's the brilliant bit: each new nucleus has exactly the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. Chromosomes carry all your genetic information - like instructions for making you!
Both daughter cells end up being perfect copies of the parent cell. This means they can do exactly the same job as the original cell.
Key Point: Mitosis creates two identical cells from one - no genetic information is lost or changed!
Mitosis in Plant Cells
You can actually see mitosis happening in plant cells under a microscope! The process looks quite dramatic as the cell transforms from one into two.
First, you'll notice the nucleus starting to divide into two separate parts. At the same time, a new cell wall begins forming down the middle of the original cell.
Eventually, two daughter cells are formed, each with their own nucleus and cell wall. Both cells are identical copies of the original parent cell.
Cool Fact: Plant cells build a wall between the new cells, while animal cells just pinch apart!
The Five Stages of Mitosis
Mitosis doesn't happen all at once - it follows five distinct stages with fancy Greek names. Don't worry about memorising these names yet, but it's good to know they exist!
The stages are Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. Each stage has a specific job in making sure the cell division happens perfectly.
Scientists use these stages to study exactly what happens during mitosis. Understanding each stage helps explain how your body creates millions of identical cells every day.
Study Tip: Think of these stages like a recipe - each step must happen in the right order!
Detailed Stages of Mitosis
Here's where mitosis gets really fascinating! The process starts with cell growth where chromosomes double to form two identical chromatids joined together.
Next, the chromosomes become short and coiled up, making them visible under a microscope. They line up along the cell's equator, attached by spindle fibres - like tiny ropes that control their movement.
The chromatids then separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. Finally, the cytoplasm divides and two daughter cells form, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original parent cell.
Amazing Fact: The spindle fibres work like a perfectly coordinated tug-of-war to separate chromosomes!
Step-by-Step Mitosis Process
Let's break down mitosis into simple steps you can easily remember. It starts with a parent cell that needs to divide into two identical copies.
First, chromosomes make identical copies of themselves - this ensures both new cells get the same genetic information. Then these chromosomes line up along the centre of the cell, like soldiers in formation.
Next, the chromosomes move apart to opposite ends of the cell. The cytoplasm divides and the cell separates into two. Finally, two daughter cells form with identical chromosomes to the parent cell.
Memory Trick: Think "Copy, Line up, Move apart, Split" to remember the main steps!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Cell Division: An Overview of Mitosis
Anna Noble
@annanoble_ipmv
Your body is constantly growing and repairing itself, and this happens through an amazing process called mitosis. Every time you get a cut that heals or grow taller, millions of your cells are dividing to create identical copies of themselves.
Learning Objectives: Cell Division
Understanding cell division is crucial because it explains how your body works every single day. Your cells are organised into tissues (like muscle), organs (like your heart), and organ systems (like your circulatory system).
Cell division allows organisms to grow from tiny babies into full-sized adults. It also helps repair damaged parts of your body - when you break a bone, new cells divide to fix it!
The process creates two identical cells from one parent cell. When this goes wrong and becomes uncontrolled, it can lead to cancer, which is why understanding normal cell division is so important.
Quick Fact: Your body creates about 25 million new cells every second through mitosis!
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Why Do Cells Need to Divide?
Think about how much you've grown since you were born - that's all thanks to mitosis! Cells divide for two main reasons: growth and repair.
During growth, your body needs millions of new cells to make you taller and bigger. Each new cell contains chromosomes with exactly the same genetic information as the original cell.
For repair, when you get injured, your body immediately starts making new cells to replace the damaged ones. Without mitosis, cuts wouldn't heal and broken bones wouldn't mend.
Remember: Mitosis ensures every new cell is identical to the parent cell - no genetic information is lost!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding Mitosis
Mitosis is the name scientists give to the process where one cell divides into two. The most important part happens when the nucleus (the cell's control centre) splits into two daughter nuclei.
Here's the brilliant bit: each new nucleus has exactly the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. Chromosomes carry all your genetic information - like instructions for making you!
Both daughter cells end up being perfect copies of the parent cell. This means they can do exactly the same job as the original cell.
Key Point: Mitosis creates two identical cells from one - no genetic information is lost or changed!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Mitosis in Plant Cells
You can actually see mitosis happening in plant cells under a microscope! The process looks quite dramatic as the cell transforms from one into two.
First, you'll notice the nucleus starting to divide into two separate parts. At the same time, a new cell wall begins forming down the middle of the original cell.
Eventually, two daughter cells are formed, each with their own nucleus and cell wall. Both cells are identical copies of the original parent cell.
Cool Fact: Plant cells build a wall between the new cells, while animal cells just pinch apart!
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The Five Stages of Mitosis
Mitosis doesn't happen all at once - it follows five distinct stages with fancy Greek names. Don't worry about memorising these names yet, but it's good to know they exist!
The stages are Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. Each stage has a specific job in making sure the cell division happens perfectly.
Scientists use these stages to study exactly what happens during mitosis. Understanding each stage helps explain how your body creates millions of identical cells every day.
Study Tip: Think of these stages like a recipe - each step must happen in the right order!
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Detailed Stages of Mitosis
Here's where mitosis gets really fascinating! The process starts with cell growth where chromosomes double to form two identical chromatids joined together.
Next, the chromosomes become short and coiled up, making them visible under a microscope. They line up along the cell's equator, attached by spindle fibres - like tiny ropes that control their movement.
The chromatids then separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. Finally, the cytoplasm divides and two daughter cells form, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original parent cell.
Amazing Fact: The spindle fibres work like a perfectly coordinated tug-of-war to separate chromosomes!
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Step-by-Step Mitosis Process
Let's break down mitosis into simple steps you can easily remember. It starts with a parent cell that needs to divide into two identical copies.
First, chromosomes make identical copies of themselves - this ensures both new cells get the same genetic information. Then these chromosomes line up along the centre of the cell, like soldiers in formation.
Next, the chromosomes move apart to opposite ends of the cell. The cytoplasm divides and the cell separates into two. Finally, two daughter cells form with identical chromosomes to the parent cell.
Memory Trick: Think "Copy, Line up, Move apart, Split" to remember the main steps!
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user